Letter 13037

Reclaim Gold from Electronics 

Hello All,

This Question is for everyone who may have an answer, But, mostly directed to Mr. Arnold Hoskins and Mr.Tim Hamilton.

I work for a company that maintains a data center for a major phone company in the south. I'm a maintenance man/ Electrician/ computer repair/ jack of all trades. We are constantly throwing away old pc's, gold tipped plugs ,circuitry boards etc... My question is how can I find ways to remove the gold plate from these items and reclaim it. The info I have found has not come from a non commercial site yet. Please let me know what you guys think.

Thanks,

Clark Chapman
- Brandon, MS, USA

I am looking for the same thing you are. What is the technically? It must be available and I suspect it is done with heat. HP is currently reclaiming many components of used computers. Please let me know any leads you might have.

Thank You,

Larry L Lynes
Lynes Construction - La Mesa, CA, USA

Please see also letters 18889 and 771b

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

One way to remove gold is with mercury. Gold will dissolve in mercury. Then you heat the gold/mercury to remove the mercury. This is a very dangerous process.

Joe Whalen
Electronics manufacturing - Enfield, CT

DON'T EVER USE MERCURY IN THIS FASHION.
Not only is it extremely hazardous to the environment, It's also illegal in the US.
Sure, it works to dissolve the gold, then you heat the mercury with a torch and the mercury evaporates leaving molten gold.
HOWEVER, then the evaporated mercury precipitates down into our drinking water.

James Fergason
- Portland, Oregon, USA

I want to post a question or inquiry of my own.

 

I want to answer or follow-up on this question publicly (in non-commercial fashion).

 

I am a supporting advertiser and want to reach the inquirer privately.